Don’t panic. If your property is shown to have high levels of radon (above the Target Level of 100 Bq/m3) you have a number of options. As the second leading cause of lung cancer it is vital that radon levels are kept as low as possible, so if you have identified that you are at risk, take action now.
There are two main methods of reducing radon levels in buildings and they both involve altering the pressure relationship between the ground and the building.
Radon is normally drawn into buildings via the process of advection; that is a gas moving from a point of high pressure (the ground) towards a point of lower pressure (a building). By interrupting this dynamic, radon entry into buildings can be reduced.
Method 1: Positive Pressurisation
This involves installing a special fan in your loft or on the internal side of an external wall. The fan pressurises the property by drawing air either from the loft or outside and dispersing it through the building.
This will ever so slightly raise the internal air pressure and therefore stop the gas from the soil being ‘sucked’ inside. PropertECO have installed many positive pressure systems in both homes and workplaces to successfully reduce radon levels.
Positive pressure systems can also improve general indoor air quality as they control humidity levels. This welcome side-effect can eliminate condensation problems, which in turn will prevent black mould forming on cold surfaces.
Method 2: Radon Sump
This method involves drilling a hole underneath a building creating a small void. The void will become the lowest point of pressure so any gas in the soil is attracted towards it. A vent pipe incorporating a fan is installed into the void and the pipe runs to the top of the building, where any radon collected in the sump is safely released into the atmosphere.
Radon sumps can be highly effective at reducing very high levels of radon, and are often used when radon concentrations exceed 1000 Bq/m3. propertECO have installed a variety of radon sumps, ranging from individual sumps for domestic properties to multiple sumps that are interlinked with pipework for large commercial buildings.
After implementing any radon reduction methods it is necessary to re-test the property to ensure that the system has effectively reduced radon concentrations to an acceptable level.
Occasionally further works may be required, which could be as simple as increasing the airflow rate of a positive pressure system. PropertECO are recognised as being one of the UK’s leading radon specialists, with unrivalled experience in the practical implementation of radon reduction systems.
Our radon testing kits for your initial investigation and post-work testing are analysed at an independent, third-party laboratory that is accredited by the Health Protection Agency.
We recommend that every property be tested for radon levels to ensure the safety of the inhabitants, and it is vital to follow this up with radon remediation works if high levels are found.
If you are looking to have a radon test or are would like further advice on the subject, get in touch with us today on 0800 046 6193 or contact us online and we’ll provide you with our expert, professional advice and services.
